Loving the Dead

Chapter 23

I looked towards to the dark forest with chills running down my spine. I was nervous to meet with Belmiro, but I didn't really care anymore. I needed to show everyone I could do this.

I entered the forest, dark energy surrounding me. The small entrance of light which I came through soon vanished and all that was around me was the dark looming trees that seemed to go on in all directions. I heard noises all around of me of creatures who had turned dark. I whipped out my knife from my boot, watching in all directions.

I noticed all around little red eyes watching my every move. I knew not to bother them, or I else I would pay. Luckily I had my powers with me in case anything attacked.

As I walking through the forest, I realized I had no clue where to find Belmiro.

After what felt like walking around in almost pitch black darkness, I knew I wouldn't find Belmiro this way.

So, I screamed his name.

My voices echoed through the trees, rattling the leaves of the dark forest. Creatures scuttled from their hiding places and walked over my feet, and I shuddered trying to kick them off.

After waiting for a few minutes of no response, I decided to keep walking.

I started to push through some branches when I felt the ground beneath me slightly tremble.

Belmiro.

I walked back to the clearing I was standing in and the trembling started getting worse. A sudden jerk from the ground knocked me to my back, dirt getting in my hair as I landed with a grunt.

The tremors finally stopped and everything went silent.

"WHO DARES ENTER MY FOREST?" Boom a loud voice.

I gasp and turn out and find myself face to face with the Great Spider.

"It is I, Annora again Great Keeper." I answered standing up and brushing myself off. I made my voice confident and devoid my face of any emotion.

"Why are here Human? I didn't think you would come slithering back when I almost killed you the last time." Hissed Belmiro.

"Well, I have a few things I need to discuss with you."

"Why would I want to talk to you? In fact, I should kill you right now." Belmiro lunged at me, and he came so close to me I could see my reflection in his eight red eyes.

I stood erect, not moving at all.

"I was going to ask if you would do me the honor of bonding with me" I ask, still no emotion on my face.

Something that looked almost like shock registered in his face as he backed away from me, but it quickly passed.

"Bond? With you? That's never happened before. Why did you choose me?" asked Belmiro quietly as he circled around me.

"You are different, and I feel a strange pull towards you. I didn't want Marlow, she seemed too kind, not as powerful as you. That dark energy about you shall surely benefit me."

Belmiro scuttled around so he was face to face with me again. He hissed straight in my face "Here we go again. People only want me for my power. They're all cowards, humans and spirits. They're cowards and are scared. So what do they do with something that scares them? They lock it away. To be utterly alone."

I knew Belmiro was talking about himself, but I wanted to know more.

"Belmiro, I am sorry, but what I really wanted to hear was your story of how you ended up here. And yes I do want to bond with you, but I know that you did not choose to be evil. Someone forced it upon you. Great Spider, would you please tell me?"